We lost our son Patrick last night. He passed away unexpectedly playing the game he loved so much. We appreciate the outpouring of support from the Eastview and MN hockey communities to our family.

We want to thank his coach, first responders and the staff at St. Joseph's for doing everything they could to help Patrick and for providing comfort to our family. We appreciate all of you.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patrick's coaches and team mates. He loved all of you. We ask for our privacy from the media at this time.

Thank you The Schoonover family

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"Play for Patrick" tributes

The Eastview Lightning has asked the hockey community to share the theme of "Play for Patrick" in memory of their late team member, who played in the 96 jersey.

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The Minnesota Wild were among those expressing their sadness at his death, tweeting last night: "The Minnesota Wild joins the State of Hockey in mourning the tragic passing of a Bantam hockey player today in Brainerd.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the player's family, friends and teammates."

Eastview's opponents Friday night, Wayzata Bantam AA, also expressed their shock and sorrow on the club website.

"The coaches, players and parents of Wayzata Youth Hockey Association and the Wayzata Bantam AA hockey team extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of the Eastview player who passed away late yesterday during a game against Wayzata," it said.

"Our Association community is heartbroken and devastated but this pales in comparison to the loss we know the family, coaches and players of Eastview must be feeling. We extend our prayers to the family and ask that whole Minnesota hockey community remember and celebrate this young man’s life.”

Others paid their own tribute on social media using the hashtag #EastviewStrong.

The Eastview Hockey Association is offering support to families, players, students and friends grieving with the loss at 4.30 p.m. Saturday at the Eastview High School Media Center, in conjunction with the Eastview school district, which covers the areas of Eagan, Apple Valley and Rosemount.

The website adds: "Many have already asked about what can be done to support the family as well as honor Patrick going forward. There will be much more information coming about plans at the EVHA level, but the Bantam AA team has asked to share the theme of 'Play for Patrick'."